NFL: An early look at the individual awards

We take a look at some of the top contenders for the individual awards this NFL season.

Two of the great QBs of this era will be in the running for MVP in 2018/19.Photo: Getty Images

MVP

When it comes to the MVP award, backing a quarterback is the way to go. QBs have won 10 of the past 11 NFL MVP awards and with serious calibre in this position this upcoming season, expect that trend to continue.

Aaron Rodgers is the market leader at $5. If the star QB can stay healthy he will be hard to top as very few can rival his ridiculous arm. He is already a two-time winner of the award and the word at the end of last season was that he could have played the final few games but the franchise decided to save him for this campaign. Now with Jimmy Graham in the fold as an elite option in the offence, Rodgers will be tough to beat.

To the surprise of very few, Tom Brady is one of the leading men, having won the award three times, including last season. He currently sits at $7. However he may be one to avoid considering one of the Patriot's top wideouts, Brandin Cooks, has been traded to the Rams and the health of Julian Eldeman and Chirs Hogan is of concern. The last back-to-back winner was in 2009, when Peyton Manning took it home while still playing for the Colts.

The Eagles are reigning Super Bowl champions and they managed to do it at the business end of the season without star QB Carson Wentz. The 25 year-old tore his ACL in December and it is unclear whether he will be ready to play come Week 1. Reports suggest he should be on the field, however Nick Foles is waiting in the wings if he isn't good to go. There has been some money for Wentz, who is at $11 to take out the MVP. No doubt he is a quality player but his injuries suggest he may face an uphill battle to claim the accolade.

One player that catches the eye as an outside chance is Jimmy Garoppolo. The 49er is currently sitting at $21 and if he plays out this season the way he finished 2017/18, he looks to be serious overs. In the five games he started for San Francisco last season, the 49ers went 5-0. The 49ers drafted WR Dante Pettis. which should help Jimmy G, while the introduction of Richard Sherman should mean he gets his hands on the ball a little more.

Offensive Rookie of the Year

One name instantly comes to mind when this award has been mentioned of late, and that is Saquon Barkley. The running back looks ready to tear the NFL to shreds after being drafted at pick No. 4 by the New York Giants. He was unbelievable at collegiate level and with Odell Beckham Jr in the outfield as a wideout, defences won't be able to sit and put all there focus on Barkley. He is short at $3 to win OROY, but considering the Giants just signed him to a $42 million dollar contract before he even played a game, the hype is very real and warranted.

Saquon Barkley has officially signed his rookie deal with the #Giants. He immediately becomes the 4th highest paid RB in the league on a average annual salary basis.

The 2018 No. 1 draft pick, Baker Mayfield, is second favourite to win OROY. The University of Oklahoma QB is facing an uphill battle with the Cleveland Browns, but they have added some pieces that could help him perform well. He currently sits at $9, which is likely to be the result of only one QB, Dak Prescott, winning the award in the last five years.

If you're looking for a roughie in this market, Calvin Ridley, WR for the Atlanta Falcons, poses a threat. Drafted in the first round and straight out of collegiate powerhouse Alabama, Ridley will be an important player for the Falcons. With Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu likely to get plenty of attention, he has the opportunity to take advantage of some lesser corners and safeties and consistently make plays.

Defensive Rookie of the Year

One-hundred-and-twenty-two kilo defensive end Bradley Chubb is the favourite to win DROY. The Bronco is a flat-out beast and is arguably the greatest NC State defender of all-time, leading the college in career sacks. He joins what is already an impressive defence and at $4 will no doubt be a genuine chance for the DROY.

Dallas rookie Leighton Vander Esch looks set to play a big role for the Cowboys in his rookie season. There were some worries about a neck injury, but if he can stay healthy, there is no doubt the 6'4" linebacker will be a force to be reckoned with. He has got some serious pace and at his size will no doubt be a threat against the pass.

Derwin James was taken with pick No. 17 in the 2018 draft, but looks a serious chance to claim DROY. The Los Angeles Charger will join what is already a strong defensive group and with the likes of Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram rushing the passer, James could very well dominate as a safety. At $11 he looks overs.